According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 53 percent of first-time homebuyers were married couples, and 17 percent were unmarried couples. Purchasing a home as a duo is a commitment - and one that requires you to get comfortable talking about money and finances with your significant other.

Often, couples avoid the ‘money talk,’ which is a crucial part of the homebuying journey. Chase Home Lending teamed up with strategic agency partner VaynerMedia and Ryan Serhant, from Bravo’s hit real estate show, ‘Million Dollar Listing,’ to tackle the sometimes tough subject of money in a fresh/fun video campaign. 

In a newlywed-style challenge, dubbed ‘Closer To Home,’ Ryan asks four couples a variety of questions about their finances and homebuying goals. Questions asked include:

• What do you look for in a home? (Bigger house vs. shorter commute?)
  
• How much do you have saved for a down payment?
• How much can we comfortably afford?
• How far above your budget would you be willing to offer in a bidding war?
• Do you feel that you are still ready to buy a house together?

With each matching answer, the couples ‘move one step closer to home,’ until they ‘make it home,’ with aligned perspectives about money and home ownership. The campaign brings a sometimes-awkward conversation to light and how financial discussions don’t have to be taboo in order to achieve homeownership goals.